The presence of the “Big Five” lions, buffaloes, leopards, elephants, and rhinos, has contributed to the park’s high visitation rates. A large proportion of visitors between January and March were Rwandans.
Data shows the park earned over $1.33 million from tourism and business activities, marking an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
This growth was partly driven by initiatives such as the Visit Rwanda program and other promotional activities.
National Geographic ranked Akagera National Park among the 25 must-visit destinations in the world for 2026 due to its natural attractions.
Local Communities Benefit from the Park
Communities surrounding the park also recorded significant earnings in the first quarter of 2026, generating more than $168,220 through conservation-related projects.
Fishermen earned $59,770, beekeepers made $17,309, while those involved in handicrafts, poultry farming, and lodging services earned $16,998.
Tour guides from local communities earned $31,922, while construction cooperatives and artisans generated $42,227.
Wildlife Monitoring with Technology
Animals in Akagera National Park move freely across the open savannah, meaning they may not be found in the same place from one day to another.
Between January and March 2026, three lions were fitted with GPS tracking technology, along with one elephant, while 17 black rhinos were equipped with VHF transmitters installed in their horns.
Additionally, five female lions were placed under reproductive monitoring to study their breeding patterns.
About the Park
Established in 1934, Akagera National Park covers 1,122 square kilometers and is home to over 11,300 animals, including about 60 lions, 142 elephants, 4,000 buffaloes, 115 giraffes, 80–100 leopards, and 145 rhinos.
The park also hosts 179 butterfly species, around 2,000 antelopes, 1,500 impalas, and 120–150 hyenas. It is home to 1,500–1,800 hippos, about 1,000 warthogs, and over 1,000 monkeys.
With around 500 bird species, Akagera is the most bird-rich park in Rwanda, compared to Nyungwe National Park with about 300 species, and Volcanoes National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park, which host fewer species.
